Over the past few days I have been reading several articles about Native American tribes having the remains of their ancestors returned to them by federal agencies, and universities. For years Native Americans have been petitioning the U. S. government for the return of their ancestor's remains, most of which were dug up in archealogical digs. Then in 1990 the U.S. government passed into law "The Native American Graves protection Act", which provided for their return. It took until 2010, however, for the Department of the Interior to finalize a rule that would return the remains of those who were " culturally unidentifiable ". It is estimated that the remains of over 160,000 Native Americans are being held in museums, and in universities. When I heard that incredible number it broke my heart. These were people who had mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters, who in ther pain, buried these loved ones with love, honor, and care. It does not matter whether it happened a hundred years ago or ten thousand years ago, their remains should be respected and reburied with honor, not displayed in some museum case for onlookers to gawk at. Unfortunately these individuals can never be put back in the sacred earth that they were originally interred in.Then I began to remember that throughout Scandinavia, Germany, and actually all of Europe, our ancestors graves have been desecrated, and the remains and grave goods, stolen away to adorn the display cases of museums throughout the world. It made me think of my mother and father who both died within the last ten years. How would I feel if they were dug up and displayed in a museum 500 years from now ? It made me very, very mad ! And that is how our ancestors must feel about their loved ones that are now being held hostage in some museum display case, or university basement draw. Their grave goods, that were lovingly placed in these grave mounds, robbed by those who have decided that science is more important than honoring these sacred sites of our ancestors. These remains, these people, our ancestors, need to be placed back where they belong in the sacred soil that their loved ones originally placed them. The grave goods need to be put back as well ! A warrior should have a shield, a sword, an axe, and a spear with him through eternity.We here in this modern, scientific world, need to take a step back, and understand that digging up a warriors grave, or a farmers for that matter is wrong, and is a disrespectful slap in the face to our ancestors and our Gods and Goddesses. We cannot honor our ancestors, and at the same time dishonor their final resting places. I am going to do some more research on this because I would like to know what the European and Scandinavian governments positions are on this matter. I am also curious to know how you feel about this. An Independent Asatru is now on Facebook !Glenn BergenGo with Odin's wisdom, Freyja's love and Thor's protection !

Shawn Cameron

1/29/2012 03:26:42 pm

this isue is actualy very complicated to me. on the one hand I agree that the graves of our ancestors and our ancestors themselves have been decicrated and this needs to be remidied and soon!

however... I am reminded of all of the knoledge and history we have lost over the years of Christian rule and I realize that the artifacts found in our ancestors grave mounds have taught us and have the potential to teach us much of what was lost.

that being said the bodys at the very least should never be removed from their mounds and if I had my way they would have a Prist or Pristess pressent to make offering and attempt to explain and apeese the dead before we go taking their grave goods.

what are your thoughts on this other side?

Glenn

1/29/2012 06:06:33 pm

We have gained much knowledge from the past from these archaeological digs, and the Viking ships that have been removed from grave mounds, especially the Oseberg and Gokstad ships, have broadened the depth of our knowledge immensely. I keep going back to the same point in my mind though, and that is what if that was my direct ancestor ? Would I want their graves disturbed ? The answer of course is no ! When / if the remains are placed back in the grave mound then yes a Godi or Godia should definitely preside over the reburial.

Matt

1/31/2012 12:43:54 am

The Code Is Knowledge.
100 years or 1000 years from now, if I can contribute to the education of future generations, provided I and my grave goods are treated with respect and presented in a truthful manner, I would feel honored.
I have looked into the disputes over grave goods and remains such as the Kennewick man. It reeks of political maneuvering, racial struggle, cultural rights and reparations. I would very much like to view the evidence in museums and learn from our ancestors. Not in the interest of judgement or ideas of supremacy, but just to learn the story of their lives. The past is the past. It lead us to the present but can not change the future. That is in the hands of the gods and therefore in our hands.
Just one mans opinion. But still, a very interesting topic.

Glenn

1/31/2012 08:53:52 am

It is a tough balance to keep between honoring our ancestors, and knowledge of our culture. For me the scales tip in favor of our ancestors. But here at An Independent Asatru everyones opinions hold the weight of their convictions. Thank you for the comment Matt !